Work in Progress

As a crafter, I have many Works in Progress (aka WIP). Blankets, scarves, scrapbook pages, and so forth ranging from the planning stage to near completion. I think this is an inherited trait. The ongoing family joke growing up was if my mother was going to finish sewing shirts for my brother she started when he was 16 years old. Needless to say that was one WIP that was never completed.

My biggest and most challenging WIP is myself.  I approach life as I do my craft projects. I plan and research what is of interest; get the tools and materials needed for the project; think about starting the project; start the project; put it away for a while; pick it up for a little while longer; put it away; and so forth. Unlike my craft projects, though, I don't necessarily get the desired end result because I do not dedicate enough time to this project (i.e., myself). Everyone says people have to put themselves first in order to be helpful to others. This is easier said than done for someone who has always put others first her entire life. When I do put myself first, I get an overwhelming feeling of guilt and retreat. Recently I have made concerted efforts to put myself first by eating healthier, scheduling time to exercise or going out by myself to run errands (stopping to have coffee along the way). I still feel guilty if I take more than a few minutes to myself, but I am a project I have to continue to work on so I can be there for my greatest work in progress - Little E.